The Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama has called on the church to uphold the spirit of speaking the truth to maintain its independence.
Bishop Kaigama spoke on Friday at a three-days ministerial conference organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Taraba State Chapter, held in Jalingo.
In a paper titled: “Practical Strategies for Sustainability in a Changing World,” the Catholic Bishop insisted that the church was an independent organisation that is not only meant to preaching the gospel of Christ but also to attract societal and human development.
According to him, speaking the truth when necessary will maintain the respect accord on the church, and further uphold it’s independence.
Meanwhile governor Agbu Kefas calls for stronger collaboration between Church and the state government in tackling societal vices to attract speedy development across rural areas of the state.
In his paper titled: “The Church and the State: Restoring God’s Vision”; governor Kefas insisted that religious leaders were critical in efforts to restoring moral values that could drive development, urged the ministers of God to boldly speak against corruption, immorality and other vices in the society.
He also appealed to the ministers to always preach the gospel of unity among citizens; just as he urged the youth who normally involves in acts, unacceptable by law to desist and embrace developmental behaviour that will progress the state.
“Your role as religious leaders in the fight against social voices in our society is critical. I need your collaboration to win the fight, and I believe that every progressive minded government will want to partner with you to achieve these.
“Your daily interaction with our young people gives you an edge over everyone. You know what they want at appropriate time. What we want is development, and that can not happen when all forms of social voices are being perpetrated by our youth”. Gov. Kefas stated.
Earlier, the CAN Chairman Taraba state, Rev. Dr. Williams Awoshiri, expressed that though, Church and the government have distinct responsibilities, they both need to collaborate for the common good.
He urged political office-holders to uphold integrity, justice and accountability, and always portray peace against tribal or political differences.